Puberty to Menopause: A comprehensive guide to women’s health

As young girls transition into adolescence, it marks a crucial period of physical and emotional development. Dr. Avan Dadina, a Mumbai-based gynecologist and obstetrician, emphasises the significance of this phase. Dadina advocates for the importance of a good lifestyle during this period, including a healthy diet along with regular physical activity.

She underscores the importance of mental and physical health, encouraging open communication with parents and school counselors.

Adolescents, she says, should be aware of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, which can stem from body image issues. Overeating, she warns, can lead to conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), emphasising the need for moderation and balance in dietary habits.

In response to rising concerns about early puberty in girls, Dr. Firuza Parikh, a gynecologist, and infertility specialist sheds light on the role of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and transgenerational genetic effects. These factors can contribute to early menstruation and menopause, highlighting the need for awareness and precautions.

For girls and women, Dr. Dadina strongly recommends the HPV vaccine, which can be administered from the age of 12 to 45. This vaccine not only protects against cervical cancer but also benefits boys by preventing the transmission of HPV.

As women enter their reproductive years, Parikh addresses common infertility disorders, emphasising the importance of lifestyle factors in conditions like PCOS, which is preventable with an active healthy lifestyle.

Parikh highlights the necessity for women to integrate considerations of their biological clock into their broader life goals, including work and social commitments. This integration entails proactive planning and decision-making to align career trajectories with reproductive timelines.

Dr. Dadina advocates for regular breast self-examinations, especially after the age of 40. Early detection through self-examinations and screenings can significantly improve outcomes in breast cancer cases. Navigating perimenopause and menopause can be challenging for women. Dr. Dadina emphasises the need for counseling and awareness about the symptoms and impacts of these transitions on physical and mental health.

Both Dr. Dadina and Dr. Parikh stress the importance of mental health, particularly as women age. Recognising symptoms of depression, loneliness, and anxiety is crucial, and seeking support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals is encouraged.

In conclusion, Dr. Dadina and Dr. Parikh both believe that by prioritising nutrition, physical activity, regular screenings, and mental well-being, women can navigate the complexities of puberty, reproductive health, and menopause.